Indian wines to raise a toast at Olympics

In an attempt to promote local wines, Indian vintners will showcase their wines at a tasting event on the sidelines of the Games

In addition to our Indian sportspersons representing the country at the London Olympic Games, there is one more unusual ambassador for our country.

Cheers! Vintners from India will visit London on August 1 to showcase their wines and create better exposure for the wine industry. Representation Pic/Getty images

The honour of flying the country’s flag high will also be given to India’s winemakers.

The All India Wine Producers Association (AIWPA) has been trying since long to promote Indian wines abroad. And in an attempt to gain international recognition, Indian wines will be showcased at a wine tasting session on the sidelines of the Games.

Confirming the same, Jagdish Holkar, president, AIWPA said, “This is the most prestigious event and is everybody’s dream. We are very happy to see that our wines will be on the same menu as several other internationally well-reputed wines. A team of vintners from India will visit London on August 1. Several VVIPs will be tasting our wines.” Indian wine majors including Sula Wines, UB Group’s Four Seasons, Chateau de Ori, Rajdheer Wines and Flamingo Wines among others would be putting an appearance at the display, officials said.

A Sangli-based winemaker said, “The London Olympics will provide us with better exposure to international markets. We are very excited with this opportunity.”

However, this is not the first time that London will be having a taste of Indian wines. In 2011, Waitrose — an up market British grocery chain — became the first to sell Indian-made wines.

Did you know? When London hosts the Olympic Games in 2012 they will become the first city to officially stage the event for the third time.